Hawaiian ethics leads to understanding the nature of human love

Gardens at Waianae Comprehensive, a healing center with the Hawaiian touch found in the essence of love

"She probably did not have much when she was a kid.  Women her age were raised to have babies and be quiet.  And she is poor, and her kids don't take good care of her either.  So we need to understand."

Michelle Perez is Hawaiian and then some.  The "then some" are those mixes with various cultural groups that make up most of the Hawaiian population in modern times.  Her philosophy represents the best of Hawaiian ethics, which means to look at all people with the eyes of ohana, or family.

Religious martyrdom part of tradition that fuels terrorism

Martyrs memorial in Tahrir

Martyrs are highlighted historically as providing impetus for development of religious community cohesion in the inception of many faiths. They are sometimes lauded by religious leaders, but when martyrdom is fused with politics, as in Islam, the issues become complex and offer serious problems in war and domestic conflicts that includes terrorism.

Christian martyrs were those who died for their beliefs, according to Christian history. These martyrs have been the substance of many tales about those professing belief in Jesus going to their deaths on crosses, in the den of lions and in other terrifying ways. Death by the sword in battle as a form of martyrdom is seen somewhat differently in Christian belief and behavior where conflict is concerned.

 The martyrs fought for Christ in the Crusades but protected their lives, not wantonly giving them up as a tactic in order to seek heaven's rewards. They were, however, told by the Church they would receive God's blessing if they lost their lives in the service of promoting the faith by fighting the infidel. Pope Urban is quoted as saying this, "God himself will lead them, for they will be doing His work. There will be absolution and remission of sins for all who die in the service of Christ. Here they are poor and miserable sinners; there they will be rich and happy. Let none hesitate; they must march next summer. God wills it! "

Martyrdom as part of political life presents complex problems in conflicts. Martyrs who don't fear death are able to take chances beyond those of ordinary folk, as demonstrated, for example, by the Japanese Kamikazes during World War II who purposefully destroyed themselves and their aircraft in fighting the enemy. Martyrs who are willing to sacrifice themselves for political freedom take similar risks, which is the difficulty faced in the Middle East as groups struggle for new freedoms. Some writers parallel Japanese Kamikazes with suicide bombers in the Middle East. On the other hand, Kamikazes were directed by the government of Japan as part of military planning rather than martyrdom being part of special factions within the government, as most occurs in Islam and that can be aimed at their own governments.

According to experts, martyrdom is associated with the whole of Islam. Complete obedience and submission to Allah's will means a fearless sacrifice in pursuit of religious doctrine for dealing with events in a cross section of circumstances. This includes civil conflict and war between nations as well.

The concept in Islam of martyrdom is called shahada. Experts on Islam tell us "the word shahada is derived from the Arabic verbal root shahada, which means to 'see', to 'witness', to 'testify', to 'become a model and paradigm'. Shahada therefore literally means to 'see', to 'witness', and to 'become a model'. A shahid is the person who sees and witnesses, and he is therefore the witness, as if the martyr witnesses and sees the truth physically and thus stands by it firmly, so much so that not only does he testify it verbally, but he is prepared to struggle and fight and give up his life for the truth, and thus to become a martyr. In this way, and by his struggle and sacrifice for the sake of the truth, he become a model, a paradigm, and an example for others, worthy of being copied, and worthy of being followed. "

The events in North Africa and the Middle East, where Muslims are seen setting themselves on fire or placing ticking bombs on their bodies set to explode and kill others in order to testify to their beliefs and what they see as truth, follow Islamic tradition, as martyrs become models for building groups and solidarity in action. It is the very soul of their faith, according to history's context, and for that reason can bring special problems to adversaries, both within individual governments and in international conflicts.

It is that concept of martyrdom infused with a combination of political and religious belief that is part of the ISIS terrorism strength, as they continue to expand their aims with individuals and groups.  But the notion is not only that of Islam, It is part of religious traditions that in the modern world can create problems far beyond the tribe and are therefore what experts tell us need to be understood and defused if international understanding and true peace can be established.

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Carol Forsloff, writer of this article, was the first female student in the Middle Eastern Studies department at Portland State College, now Portland State University, in 1960, studying both the languages of Arabic and Hebrew as part of a program of studies in preparation for work as a journalist in that area of the world.  Although that career did not materialize, Carol has continued her interest and studies of the Middle East through reading and interaction with various groups over five decades since her tenure at Portland State in an effort to understand the events that occur in the region and to report those events in a meaningful way.

Composer offers original song for the ages, of Christmas meaning

Robin Rendell, composer, Carol Forsloff, vocalist and video, Yvalain, music editing, Del Forsloff, accordion

Robin Rendell is one of those composers for the ages, creating a song that is likely to endure, because it represents the melody and the message of Christmas.

Christmas songs are in abundance, with a variety of themes each year.  Albums abound with the Christmas message.  Yet Robin's has the flavor of the past mixed with the modern sounds and the whole feeling people associate with the holidays.  This includes the snow, the bells, the city streets filled with sounds of many people, and the lonely and lost finding peace at the holidays.

Once in awhile a song is created that offers all humanity a glimpse of who we really are, of every color and creed, that brings us together in a harmony that is truly special.  Robin Rendell, an international composer who resides in France, has done that with his vision and lyrics that remind us who we are and need to be not just during the holidays but all the days of our lives.

Rendell writes folk music, both lyrics and melody on many occasions.  In the case of his great creation, "The Day Christmas Came Again," he shares the composition with Neil Preston, whose music puts the lyrics on the wings of the proverbial white dove that can take the song not just to the world but to the very heavens, where angels listen and God may smile.

The song tells us that Christmas means loving others, regardless of where we may be.  It is the kind of love that crosses geographical barriers to penetrate the heart of everyone.  It reminds us that even if we are alone somewhere, we are not alone, for music and the spirit of Christmas is expressed best when we do something for others.  In the video of the song, that expression comes in the form of soldiers with children decorating the Christmas tree and sharing the gifts that Santa brings as well.  The faces in the video, the smiling children together with the loving ones of the soldiers who embrace the occasion of the holiday by giving of themselves, seem to glow in the shining words and melodies the composers bring with The Day Christmas Came Again.

This folk style of music, although sometimes said to be no longer the favored style, in fact has realized an upsurge of popularity in recent years.  This song, "The Day Christmas Came Again," is the type of song that has that feeling of lasting value, the words representing the best of the folk style.

It has the universal appeal as well, for every person can visualize the scenes described in the lyrics, while the melody has its own magic and enticement for the listener.

Enjoy the best of Christmas music as you watch and listen to Robin Rendell's artistry come alive in this video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMcPKy1a6GY&list=UUevhEjRpy3xqz8mmpzSPTdQ

Song video masterpiece captures the Christ message for folks of all faiths

Carol Forsloff — When Gandhi was asked about his religion, he gave a list of them, including Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, etc, and said he was all of those and more, as representative of the notion that all love and sacrifice that is meaningful comes from the Creator. With that premise, comes a different look at the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ and its depiction in a song video of much significance.

Today I listened and watched a song video that for me tells the story of great sacrifice and the ultimate message of all loving spirits, that the poor, the oppressed are the ones who suffer most, illustrated in the crucifixion and made even more illustrative by the death of the Christ, who told us to focus on those in pain, and a resurrection that reminds us of eternal hope. The song's performer, in my opinion, has given us all a great gift.

Melody Dawn Town belongs to a community of musicians called Fandalism. Much of her musical offerings are her original compositions, and her covers more modern music than the older or more classical. But today she brings to us her rendition of her Messiah, in a way that is astounding, that reinforces that teaching about sacrifice, love and hope.

The video has visions of the crucifixion that are disturbing, but in watching and listening I thought of those who suffer in poverty, ignorance, pain, loneliness in every part of the world. While the world itself focuses on the ephemeral, the moment, the glib and the trappings of faith, as opposed to its substance, it reminds us of our essential humanity. And it reminds us of Christ's message and concern for the poor and those in the most mental and physical pain.

Torres would want this article to focus on the video and its subject and not her, however the heart of one who creates such a masterpiece must have some understanding of its purpose and its gift. Town has indeed created an eternal gift, a piece of art, the kind of which people whisper of in awe, or who listen in appreciation for excellence in every way.

As the Easter season opens for many, the season is not one honored by all the world, where different religions flourish. The song, however, is not just of Easter, but one that gives everyone, regardless of faith, or even those with none in those established religions,  the beauty of its creation and the performance that is in itself miraculous.

It is here for all the world to savor, and may you who do be blessed with its eternal message and reminder of for whom Christ's life---and death — was all about. It is here: http://fandalism.com/melodydawndisc0queen/bWUi